In some communications which the Honorable Congress have been pleased to make to us, we also see, with great concern, that apprehensions are expressed, the reality of which we should deplore as an evil of the first magnitude. Be assured, Sir, that the citizens of Philadelphia, and of Pennsylvania, cannot entertain sentiments so unworthy; but if there are any so lost to every sense of propriety, decency, and order, the authority of the State has power equal to its inclination to check and suppress so licentious and wicked a procedure.
We entreat you, therefore, to dismiss every idea so painful and so dishonorable to us as that of personal insult, and repose confidence in us when we confirm to you our assurances of the affection, respect, and esteem of our constituents. And if there are any persons, who presume to insinuate dangers of outrages, as suggested in your representations, we most earnestly request you to consider them either as ignorant of the real sentiments of those of whom they speak, or as acting from less honorable motives.
I have now the honor of acquainting you, that upon the requisition of this Board, the flour in question, and which has given rise to this unhappy discussion, is delivered up to this Board, and that it is ready to be put into the disposal of M. Holker, or any person he may direct, for the purposes of its original destination, without any condition or restriction, a measure, which we hope both as to you and himself, will be considered as a relinquishment of those terms, which form a ground of your complaint. Our desire to make the most early and explicit avowal of our sentiments and intentions has induced us to make this communication, at the same time all other business being laid aside, we are considering the papers which touch the character of M. Holker, upon which we shall, without delay, address ourselves to the Honorable Congress of the United States, through whom those communications have been made to us, and we trust it will fully appear, that a veneration for the Prince, whose servant he is, respect to your interposition, justice to him, and a due regard to the rights and interests of this State, have influenced our determination.
We observe all the papers respecting this transaction have been transmitted to you, except a resolution of this Board passed on the 14th instant, which, probably, by some accident has been omitted. I have now the honor of enclosing it, that every proceeding may be fully before you.
Signed in and by order of Council.
JOSEPH REED, President.
In Congress. On the 4th of August the committee to whom was referred the Memorial of the Minister, relative to the ship Mary and Elizabeth's cargo, delivered in a report, whereupon,
Resolved, That Congress do not entertain any suspicion, that M. Holker, agent of the marine of his Most Christian Majesty, had any participation in, or knowledge of, the shipping of provisions on private account on board vessels despatched in the name of his Most Christian Majesty.
Resolved, That frauds by masters and shippers are offences against the municipal laws, and are to be investigated by the magistrates of the States respectively.